tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75722443749778024432024-03-19T05:15:50.273-05:00Also, That's ItAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-70646885630056704442014-07-31T11:12:00.000-05:002014-07-31T11:12:25.847-05:00Zucchini Pop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP2eHoj-OyHG9L6ODyLBDkRSK5anlB6UC2r9k6Hpw1vxZTtfSx-CdTu99EEL887VTOJzz7vv7BFzQtEYPbSdSUe5KXm9u0keYgDYfSCuafK58rnsjrGRJL0wRRFXAHHa3If7645YS/s640/blogger-image-1096005796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP2eHoj-OyHG9L6ODyLBDkRSK5anlB6UC2r9k6Hpw1vxZTtfSx-CdTu99EEL887VTOJzz7vv7BFzQtEYPbSdSUe5KXm9u0keYgDYfSCuafK58rnsjrGRJL0wRRFXAHHa3If7645YS/s640/blogger-image-1096005796.jpg" /></a><br />
I present the next big thing in toddler snacking! Are you ready?<br />
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The zucchini pop! Just kidding... unless it totally takes off. And then, I want all the credit for this idea.</div>
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At least William approves... just another reason that I need to put in a garden next spring! The other reasons being basil and cilantro and the fact that they died in the little window containers I tried to grow them in. So maybe that's a reason against putting a garden in? We'll see how I feel in the spring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eG1LiMPJsKv9zyaN3njmdXO29snZMmvnT5YF4iDbBMipSI_ogp7_Kt_JHTWX_F_v6Ak3i3-rwMUK7cFS4r8ZFCrCbUHk0Eo6nzt3w3JxVqimwQJFb2MW1gDIHD8S7I6w-XlX50qU/s640/blogger-image-1939363976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eG1LiMPJsKv9zyaN3njmdXO29snZMmvnT5YF4iDbBMipSI_ogp7_Kt_JHTWX_F_v6Ak3i3-rwMUK7cFS4r8ZFCrCbUHk0Eo6nzt3w3JxVqimwQJFb2MW1gDIHD8S7I6w-XlX50qU/s640/blogger-image-1939363976.jpg" /></a></div>
Also, this kid inherited his grandpa's bright eyes... and we're pretty sure a few other qualities too.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-28667383916780059692014-07-30T10:34:00.000-05:002014-07-30T10:34:19.960-05:00The Loves of My Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcki7ldfzgx5ldLaFM-dQ4rQcdHhX_RvxEqqscr30yBPqPxgvriLZnYp_b0LmMxFiILD3GTTDKTYs3LULaS5NfWfrcYkk6ztJOqUUJZ_6eFqcUidrL1n0BI5ku7V-ykA_hJeURPuN/s640/blogger-image--492834717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcki7ldfzgx5ldLaFM-dQ4rQcdHhX_RvxEqqscr30yBPqPxgvriLZnYp_b0LmMxFiILD3GTTDKTYs3LULaS5NfWfrcYkk6ztJOqUUJZ_6eFqcUidrL1n0BI5ku7V-ykA_hJeURPuN/s640/blogger-image--492834717.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BIR-m_9tcaRL9mO4yRkOpwEMwczI_wslzxWHDMeB-ta-Nd6pLZb54fgoeXBqVUdHwTLBxP20CFK0KwalRkznNLi87qVWqQFvFRyCEy94NkNlsRKeZ2Ww10e2cC-oy_9tEGrXWJ3/s640/blogger-image--1657649408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BIR-m_9tcaRL9mO4yRkOpwEMwczI_wslzxWHDMeB-ta-Nd6pLZb54fgoeXBqVUdHwTLBxP20CFK0KwalRkznNLi87qVWqQFvFRyCEy94NkNlsRKeZ2Ww10e2cC-oy_9tEGrXWJ3/s640/blogger-image--1657649408.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Looking at these pictures makes my heart swell. One moment I am completely unaware of the involuntary beats and the next I can feel every part of my heart as if my it has been swaddled and all I can do is concentrate on the warmth that radiates through my body from that space. And I am reminded of a quote that I've read and discussed many times, a quote that perfectly embodies Romeo's tragic flaw, "Did my heart love till now?" </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Only for me, </span>instead of wondering that for a different person each week, I have that feeling again and again for the same people. And so, for me the quote transforms from beautiful and tragic to a principle in the infinite capacity of lasting love. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">And I am reminded of my dad, who often looks up from the table with bright eyes and sincerely says, "This is a best bite I've ever had" or, "This to best bite of my life." As a child and teenager, I used to scoff at his sentiment, but now I am in awe of it, craving that superlative experience over and over too. And I wonder if maybe the key to true and lasting love is having that feeling again and again, allowing yourself to wonder at your love over and over for the same people.</span><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC9vBqkDOUeW4_94AO5UJLeqca2TXcdWWJCG9nrUWXO7pv8u3lRmMUZJ1pyWK2NhDE7n-qYZefSFGRtUHhSSTNS6qqQyVadAcZ0am9oTISoHz8_wlekzgmSKnf8pNlF-YoxgOFin8/s640/blogger-image--1910142747.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7BIR-m_9tcaRL9mO4yRkOpwEMwczI_wslzxWHDMeB-ta-Nd6pLZb54fgoeXBqVUdHwTLBxP20CFK0KwalRkznNLi87qVWqQFvFRyCEy94NkNlsRKeZ2Ww10e2cC-oy_9tEGrXWJ3/s640/blogger-image--1657649408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
They are the loves of my life. I am in awe of them each and every day, and I hope that never stops.<br />
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Also, on a slightly less sentimental note, these pics are from this past hot and gloomy (which is what I'm blaming the graininess of the pictures on) Saturday, when Jason, William, and I spent the afternoon all together in the kitchen. Jason and Will sorted and chopped and stirred and made the entire house smell amazing. The delicious recipes that all three of us happily ate for dinner that evening and lunch the next day are below if you are interested.<br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/balsamic-bruschetta/" target="_blank">Balsamic Bruschetta </a><br />
(Jason says to sub fresh mozzarella.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/linguine-with-shrimp-scampi-recipe3.html" target="_blank">Linguine with Shrimp Scampi</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-54151235789442930452014-07-23T11:12:00.000-05:002014-07-23T11:12:51.579-05:00All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld: A Request More than a Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzI4cPOiZMfxp0qxnZjsnlEHvPeVvUi-ZL3NGYaZtqby7uI0vkoxqXpWl8svcyM-dUZkmgnebbOydbRlOtOIRfY8TlYmVycOD7aCXpDkUsV-S30oDbMKooApBTNZWwl_ISlWFiOAE/s640/blogger-image-1571570591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEzI4cPOiZMfxp0qxnZjsnlEHvPeVvUi-ZL3NGYaZtqby7uI0vkoxqXpWl8svcyM-dUZkmgnebbOydbRlOtOIRfY8TlYmVycOD7aCXpDkUsV-S30oDbMKooApBTNZWwl_ISlWFiOAE/s640/blogger-image-1571570591.jpg" /></a><br />
I just finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Birds-Singing-Evie-Wyld/dp/0224096680" target="_blank">this book</a> yesterday, and it's due back at the library tomorrow. If I can't renew it, I might just buy myself a copy, a real, live hard copy so that I can re-read it and then make my mom and my sister read it too because I'm positive it's one of those brilliant books that will give you a very different experience upon the second read, one of those books that I just can't stop thinking about, one that I feel needs a few glasses of wine and some in-person discussion. So, I have a request... Will you please read <i>All the Birds, Singing</i> and then come to my house or meet me at <a href="http://www.robustwinebar.com/edwardsville/" target="_blank">Robust</a>'s patio, and I'll happily provide the wine?<br />
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And no. I'm not going to tell you what it's about, and I don't think you should read the synopsis. I've been approaching more and more books without having read the synopsis, and I find it's a much more provocative experience. So really, that's two requests. A do and a don't, or a don't and a do. Don't read any synopsis, ever again (Okay. If you try not reading the synopsis and find you don't enjoy the experience, you can go back. I give you my permission as long as you really try.) and do read <i>All the Birds, Singing</i>.<br />
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Also, hi! I'm back after some traveling and lots and lots of reading and online shopping.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-3193463489328529202014-06-09T15:46:00.000-05:002014-06-09T15:46:43.845-05:00Summer Reading<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qfCEkvIaFW6FCFFDjB-LrKv7IceBZuEboFLk92Ii1rsv1PK9fesPC1kX5uNHp-mPXH6-chOWT3PN5yMkcWezKWzFK-bhhzsvGPY_OK91YQrkrDUE8IdgoDmvptHMBajhDSvA79it/s640/blogger-image--1763556581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qfCEkvIaFW6FCFFDjB-LrKv7IceBZuEboFLk92Ii1rsv1PK9fesPC1kX5uNHp-mPXH6-chOWT3PN5yMkcWezKWzFK-bhhzsvGPY_OK91YQrkrDUE8IdgoDmvptHMBajhDSvA79it/s640/blogger-image--1763556581.jpg" /></a><br />
There is something about this time of year. I always thought it was because I was just getting out of school (first as a student and then as a teacher) and had more free time, but this year school began and ended without me, and that last week in May, I still felt the call deep inside to read. Voraciously. Apparently, Will has been feeling the same way. He just can't get enough reading time. Besides bedtime and nap time, he has started reading in the car, and I often find him reading a book after he wakes up from a nap.<br />
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He has just started putting himself down for his afternoon nap and for the night. (Basically because he just stopped falling asleep in our arms.) After the first couple of times that he rolled around in his crib, putting himself to sleep, I started finding one, two, or even three books in his crib with him. We have a little ottoman where we keep his favorite books right between his crib and the rocker (You can see the set up in<a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/03/embrace-camera.html" target="_blank"> this post</a>.) from which he has been lifting the books. This morning, I watched him on the monitor get one book, look at it, put it back and get another one. We (meaning Jason) already built some of <a href="http://www.piecesbypolly.com/2011/02/easy-front-facing-picture-book-display.html?m=1" target="_blank">these front-facing bookshelves</a> for Will's room, but now, I'm thinking of adding one by his bed just like the family from the post did for each of their crib.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF1Nfu2LtEBNbhGRsSoDj55ml2F0DAFTloEQ_krPAPOo-dic1nueH1w7xlSLTKPFZ4MSexaICRJMsWYjs5p_Td0r6gqqN_DhAs3iKMd4xSjGYeI_FNS06AdhtM8nsr1kLYrWx8mNl/s640/blogger-image-1816755099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF1Nfu2LtEBNbhGRsSoDj55ml2F0DAFTloEQ_krPAPOo-dic1nueH1w7xlSLTKPFZ4MSexaICRJMsWYjs5p_Td0r6gqqN_DhAs3iKMd4xSjGYeI_FNS06AdhtM8nsr1kLYrWx8mNl/s640/blogger-image-1816755099.jpg" /></a>I've been enjoying downloading all of my books for free from the library. Have you tried that yet? You do have to actually go to the library to get (or renew, in my case) a library card, but after that you can do everything on your iPad (or preferred e-reader). My library allows me to download books through two different apps, <a href="https://www.overdrive.com/" target="_blank">Overdrive</a> and <a href="http://www.3m.com/us/library/eBook/" target="_blank">3M</a>. I use both because I like the look and feel of Overdrive better, but 3M seems to have more titles available. One night while we were watching a particularly violent episode of <i>Game of Thrones</i> and I needed something to distract myself, I went through and looked up every book I had heard about over the last few months and either downloaded them right away or put holds (a library term that means I'm in line for the book after everyone else in line reads it) on them. </div>
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So far, I've read and LOVED: </div>
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<a href="http://matthewquickwriter.com/novels/the-good-luck-of-right-now/" target="_blank"><i>The Good Luck of Right Now</i> by Matthew Quick</a></div>
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<a href="http://rjpalacio.com/book.html" target="_blank"><i>Wonder</i> by R. J. Palacio</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2l-u-lDPDelawu2JdKMr7424G_KaWpty-q8mOwe2rnWYzgbbmdWWWJISm9_FsxAfDrsseh4jzl1f6gREIs9qqkAZyb-CgsJ6sv9JJ8u3R4-Te7EHQ8UhaNZjAXX6ymaxaMlM5X8j/s1600/9780763660406_p0_v6_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2l-u-lDPDelawu2JdKMr7424G_KaWpty-q8mOwe2rnWYzgbbmdWWWJISm9_FsxAfDrsseh4jzl1f6gREIs9qqkAZyb-CgsJ6sv9JJ8u3R4-Te7EHQ8UhaNZjAXX6ymaxaMlM5X8j/s1600/9780763660406_p0_v6_s260x420.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.katedicamillo.com/books/flora.html" target="_blank"><i>Flora and Ulysses</i> by Kate DiCamillo</a></div>
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And you can see everything I have on hold (and the look of OverDrive on the left and 3M on the right) below. I can't wait for my holds to become available. In the meantime, I'd appreciate any recommendations!</div>
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<td><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzz89IZPLUZe4hyphenhyphenMJA2LflUJzxuWSJJnJVbFJFC4UW7d83fC4qx_S84RnP2SDgz82-byg70f4bzQiCKAPSl4-XXZzYzFZT0cy0WwZ4ZXxB_hZYh2GDmbfcmIXfarY7tZus72nzDJr/s1600/blogger-image-558077919.jpg" /></td>
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Also, William in a tank top... I cannot get enough of those white upper arms.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-62189914673245158092014-06-06T16:07:00.000-05:002014-06-06T16:07:43.961-05:00They Fit!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkDY8iGpbTB5b11uB3Xz1MC_gYvJSP-gfQmNF-Jo0_AQhjzBJT7-RY6fkJ_85FNxWW_FPoDMtEFU1Xx0kQVH2XYuHeKqNy3mzt19JXKC5BMk9vHqGcG1KQw650SKWJUSXFvFwyGyw/s640/blogger-image--1990607713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkDY8iGpbTB5b11uB3Xz1MC_gYvJSP-gfQmNF-Jo0_AQhjzBJT7-RY6fkJ_85FNxWW_FPoDMtEFU1Xx0kQVH2XYuHeKqNy3mzt19JXKC5BMk9vHqGcG1KQw650SKWJUSXFvFwyGyw/s640/blogger-image--1990607713.jpg" /></a><br />
Remember those <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/02/not-quite-meeting-goals.html" target="_blank">white skinny jeans</a> that I hadn't been able to fit into since before I was pregnant? Well, today, on National Donut Day of all days, I decided to try them on, and as you have probably figured out by now, they fit! I'm glad I tried them on because I have been eating really well lately, but I often let myself cheat and then cheat a little more and then a little more until I am eating a lot of junk. These pants fitting were the motivation I needed not to join in celebrating National Donut Day.<br />
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As far as weight loss, I don't have much to report. I'm currently at 157 lbs, but as I said, I have just started eating really well again in preparation for our beach vacation in a few weeks. So for now, I'll take the jeans as progress and hope to see a little more (less?) on the scale soon. Also, I have been really happy with my results from our <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/02/not-quite-meeting-goals.html" target="_blank">push-up challenge</a>... at least in my shoulders and upper arms. I'm hoping if I keep going, the results will start to progress until I am ripped all the way to my elbows. I am up to ten real push-ups/30 total in one minute. The plank challenge, on the other hand, is brutal. I hate it, and if there are any results, they must be hidden way under there where I can't see them. Or maybe, my jeans fitting are the result? Yeah, I'm going to choose to believe that instead. It's much more positive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvBFZb49QNftQ5fa7-ORAdBpkec90V-KZ5mI7M2eoCVlCItEYQ78rjr9Hm3-2LQO6jn4fUbAMcJ6y0imvngHJNiEjr_ad1r6BbfC9l4CgIYqCVbd4hhV4rY4qhQvM-JIbCCe2uRTE/s640/blogger-image--881858168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvBFZb49QNftQ5fa7-ORAdBpkec90V-KZ5mI7M2eoCVlCItEYQ78rjr9Hm3-2LQO6jn4fUbAMcJ6y0imvngHJNiEjr_ad1r6BbfC9l4CgIYqCVbd4hhV4rY4qhQvM-JIbCCe2uRTE/s640/blogger-image--881858168.jpg" /></a>Also, please excuse the awkward cell-phone selfies, but I wanted to show you proof... And I still need to teach Will how to use a camera.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-14799243442646891862014-06-04T11:13:00.000-05:002014-06-06T06:44:01.421-05:00Freshly Picked<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kdWPlYQu-UBNUdB0Uc3UlCPwraBmDjdU6AyMYCyMrKgx1sgZPUVWmGOLd7BS7xyYfYefpXD9mWCem_b-YksfaA-DHNGWT362Rlxu3ADjVk1RgnqAABL8aqIbA7iLtiVDht3UFBVg/s640/blogger-image--1372492551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kdWPlYQu-UBNUdB0Uc3UlCPwraBmDjdU6AyMYCyMrKgx1sgZPUVWmGOLd7BS7xyYfYefpXD9mWCem_b-YksfaA-DHNGWT362Rlxu3ADjVk1RgnqAABL8aqIbA7iLtiVDht3UFBVg/s640/blogger-image--1372492551.jpg" /></a><br />
Will and I have something serious to talk to you guys about (about which to talk to you ladies, really). You're probably going to need to sit down and take off your sunglasses for this.<br />
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It's no secret that babies' feet are shaped like blocks, a fact that, as an aunt, often left me frustrated and my nieces and nephews barefoot when in my care, a fact that I was sure was going to torment me as a parent, but then, just when William was starting to pull himself up and cruise all around, necessitating something more than slipper socks on his feet, I discovered <a href="http://freshlypicked.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Picked Moccasins</a>. Easy for me to put on (not to brag, but I can do it one handed), hard for him to take off, enough traction without turning his foot into even more of a block, high-quality leather that wipes clean and wears well, and fun colors. Serendipitous, I say!<br />
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Now that Will is walking, running, and dancing his way through each day, we have moved on to our second pair. Will also owns Converse, Sperry's, Target, Gap, and Old Navy shoes, but really, our go-to shoe for playing, shopping, picking strawberries, puddle-jumping, strolling through the botanical gardens, or going to church is his Freshly Picked Moccasins. If you follow me on Facebook or <a href="http://instagram.com/alsomelissatedesco" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you already know this.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6CueUZEUo6NO0BrEh4XUUiLGu3a_3VFiYTDgNf33DgtV7Hy4S3U6K8IeW5E1Mji-mQXjPg6XwB7LXKKsJxNncwLZg8RD4BL8XVoc9Yw9HedfKMP656a7rTdELIuzIiMhc55Kw0h4/s1600/blogger-image-43077190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6CueUZEUo6NO0BrEh4XUUiLGu3a_3VFiYTDgNf33DgtV7Hy4S3U6K8IeW5E1Mji-mQXjPg6XwB7LXKKsJxNncwLZg8RD4BL8XVoc9Yw9HedfKMP656a7rTdELIuzIiMhc55Kw0h4/s640/blogger-image-43077190.jpg" /></a>Freshly Picked is such an amazing company that when I contacted them to let them know how much I loved their shoes, they sent me another pair to review. I really can't recommend these shoes enough. Unlike other shoes, these were easy for Will to walk in when he was first starting to strut around. They have never caused so much as a red mark let alone a blister or callous. And, Freshly Picked is offering a pair for me to giveaway to one of you! Yeah, now I've got your attention! See below for details.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRRRVfiwEl2acE6KM1vgiHNBDLJY2JJpCzh4BmfgeyPIUy82PxYGAFPtKMiBpItT7pSyNHwLRTWTZepynRhcmc5o82XNoBLDbSvUoXbhc-UuzCzM2djfjWD0oVEmxbrsuDfXlYcOs/s640/blogger-image--422572072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRRRVfiwEl2acE6KM1vgiHNBDLJY2JJpCzh4BmfgeyPIUy82PxYGAFPtKMiBpItT7pSyNHwLRTWTZepynRhcmc5o82XNoBLDbSvUoXbhc-UuzCzM2djfjWD0oVEmxbrsuDfXlYcOs/s640/blogger-image--422572072.jpg" /></a>***GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Because so many of the people who entered were family and friends, I numbered all your entries and used the random number generator at <a href="http://random.org/">random.org</a> (as opposed to just swirling my finger in the air and pointing... I don't know) and am so happy to announce that Maggie B. is the winner! Congrats! Even if you didn't win this giveaway, you will feel like a winner every time your easily slip the pair of moccs that you order your little one. I just ordered the next size up in Iced Mint, but I also have my eye on Goldenrod and Glacier... and Neon Green is kind of awesome. How will Maggie B. decide? ***AND NOW ENDS THE LONGEST EVER GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT</div>
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First, a quick disclaimer: Like I said before, Freshly Picked is an awesome company that has lots of giveaways, so t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">he winner of this giveaway can not have won any other giveaway including a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins within the last 60 da<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ys. Alrighty?</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">To enter, please visit <a href="http://freshlypicked.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Picked</a> to peruse thier beautiful products (They just added some totes to their line and have some of their moccasins on sale right now!) and leave a comment below. For an extra entry, you can like my page and share this post on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alsothatsit" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and/or follow me and regram this on <a href="http://instagram.com/alsomelissatedesco" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. If you choose to complete either of the extra entries on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alsothatsit" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/alsomelissatedesco" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, please come back and leave another comment here letting me know that you did so that I am sure to count your entry. This giveaway will close on Friday when I will announce the winner. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions I can answer about the moccs and good luck! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alright, you can put your sunglasses back on now.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRN4KiWfs2xoVhQOinDT0V715cAntKilYFaNLTM-zmpNN4QKH4nqWAx97_05ayyAG0n6poWq-8cmMvSJstOfBYCKadca7btbeWJUFyht8yN6I1wqObssof4auw6A4BEstlsS6sp_3/s640/blogger-image-209092054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRN4KiWfs2xoVhQOinDT0V715cAntKilYFaNLTM-zmpNN4QKH4nqWAx97_05ayyAG0n6poWq-8cmMvSJstOfBYCKadca7btbeWJUFyht8yN6I1wqObssof4auw6A4BEstlsS6sp_3/s640/blogger-image-209092054.jpg" /></a></div>
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Also, a fun little bonus of the high-quality leather is a sweet footprint, from the heel to each little toe, that gets worn into the sole of the moccasins, a sweet keepsake after your babe outgrows his or her moccs.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-23216475261659094792014-06-02T15:50:00.000-05:002014-06-02T15:50:24.503-05:00Loves me? Loves me not?<table>
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<td><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL_3CqwSjYEnmOrlYI_FLNLD8XwPsfx1OhI-A7naaCof_Y_abdQVzI1wwxo71MM7fknpu1rNsgxf24Nm9FMD9c0xRUf3j6fqd8mmT_XoxYOY4nIaj2rH9rBDMVNpxg6uE_i4IaSpJ/s640/blogger-image-1941623020.jpg" width="320" /></td>
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<br />
William turns fourteen months old today, a fact that surprised me when I realized it yesterday. Not because I can't believe fourteen months have passed since his birth. No. Because I had thought he was going to be fifteen months old today, so much so that on Sunday I opened my calendar app on my phone to see when, exactly, his fifteen-month checkup was this week. And to my surprise, I had to scroll all the way to July second to find the appointment. After counting on my fingers to check the math while contemplating the idea that I put the appointment in on the wrong month, an awkward dinner conversation with my husband's old boss at the wedding we attended a few weekends ago replayed in my head about how old Will was and what month he was born in. Now, I understand her puzzled expression. Then, I thought about all those people who we encountered over the last month who told me how masterfully Will was walking/running for a fourteen-month-old who could have be even more politely amazed, but alas...<br />
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Will at fourteen months loves tangerines. He has switched allegiances and become quite the mama's boy. (Loves me?) He prefers his whole milk in a bottle as opposed to a sippy cup, which is still fine because I was told by my pediatrician we needed to be rid of the bottles by fifteen months. (We've got another month!). He is using his pacifier less and less, even made it through an entire mass without it on Sunday! He has started to actively throw his food, mostly peppers, off his tray, and when I tell him, "Ah-Ah, keep your food on your tray," he either laughs hysterically at me and throws another piece off or laughs hysterically at me and says, "Ah-Ah!" (Loves me not?) He loves being outside and playing with/around other kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8IzvvfyJnvjy4G99IakzFDR6mi7DwNB9X3q9uVWew7-4WHaSgmlca96A_qXw5Om6-8Wp8GPWHJLIpPNq5PcMzCZsIhEmyg8j0LT9s95tuFqMrVTR4h7pvjnD5gHGUTxzOhEZ1dhN/s640/blogger-image--1095379429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8IzvvfyJnvjy4G99IakzFDR6mi7DwNB9X3q9uVWew7-4WHaSgmlca96A_qXw5Om6-8Wp8GPWHJLIpPNq5PcMzCZsIhEmyg8j0LT9s95tuFqMrVTR4h7pvjnD5gHGUTxzOhEZ1dhN/s640/blogger-image--1095379429.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjZTs9ZSOxF26MafCbdjIefHBMtfb8wpFfCt4fE2TNLyA0aqUWYHPPmAUqjvNZTFLAwc36Fip9oA7BPfl0kN5sJqFj8UW4q7stw05lRA-MF0V34buhiTkTFoVV2gIlvIHAomMcWBa/s640/blogger-image--1610340573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjZTs9ZSOxF26MafCbdjIefHBMtfb8wpFfCt4fE2TNLyA0aqUWYHPPmAUqjvNZTFLAwc36Fip9oA7BPfl0kN5sJqFj8UW4q7stw05lRA-MF0V34buhiTkTFoVV2gIlvIHAomMcWBa/s640/blogger-image--1610340573.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjBmcroEW0sgCKpPQN_aFLUcsnAKbkD5iCZBI4wJIqR0zzv3310UsfruuvgFAzffUyi0MKr42MqvOSxrRHd9QpfLC1LuhOiVq5W-putkT8A6xqu1zBv6YxiY1owuPUHRr7hKRUa_0/s640/blogger-image--2123192464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjBmcroEW0sgCKpPQN_aFLUcsnAKbkD5iCZBI4wJIqR0zzv3310UsfruuvgFAzffUyi0MKr42MqvOSxrRHd9QpfLC1LuhOiVq5W-putkT8A6xqu1zBv6YxiY1owuPUHRr7hKRUa_0/s640/blogger-image--2123192464.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PXWG076aXSdwf0xDWCV1TyMJog2qiQxUjymJBi44riC0_gJqKjewoVXLyb9PTeuhswS1_CRaRsZ2mv29eGjJ5ooOTAfY0RKzgd5o8IMaFl31U2Xh25dtpomzfdg6kFnUxogEHXYF/s640/blogger-image--974277963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PXWG076aXSdwf0xDWCV1TyMJog2qiQxUjymJBi44riC0_gJqKjewoVXLyb9PTeuhswS1_CRaRsZ2mv29eGjJ5ooOTAfY0RKzgd5o8IMaFl31U2Xh25dtpomzfdg6kFnUxogEHXYF/s640/blogger-image--974277963.jpg" /></a>Also, he's got quite a way with the ladies (well, at least with me). Not only did he carefully choose and give me this rose (after throwing all the other roses I had cut on the ground), but yesterday, while I was getting him ready for bed, he reached up and grabbed my bangs (Loves me not?), pulled my face in close to his, and planted the juiciest kiss on me. (Loves me!)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-10534212904042436322014-05-15T10:44:00.000-05:002014-05-15T10:44:58.204-05:00Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Large Birds According to Our Neighbors (Also, some mostly unrelated ((and kind of old)) pictures of Will.)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpHiMOFxzC7bAYph0CGUQ5eIINxJ-y13yx2HnFuAJAtC1nG8XKy7yukRN-Z7GYFU-17DSjdb0G0OBTfcHkqJylz7TM7FtRxpr9yEetXMNXvK4LSk3xN0RyvdeDPcqckwyo9E9ajEh/s640/blogger-image-334163859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpHiMOFxzC7bAYph0CGUQ5eIINxJ-y13yx2HnFuAJAtC1nG8XKy7yukRN-Z7GYFU-17DSjdb0G0OBTfcHkqJylz7TM7FtRxpr9yEetXMNXvK4LSk3xN0RyvdeDPcqckwyo9E9ajEh/s640/blogger-image-334163859.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On our walk this morning, we came upon our three neighbor children at the end of their driveway holding ice scrapers, the large kind with a brush on one end and the scraper on the other, and what I'm guessing were sawed-off broomsticks. They looked to be sweeping a puddle or poking something in the puddle when we approached and the following conversation happened:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Girl: Hello, neighbor!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Me: Hi!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Girl: Did you see that hawk over there? </i>(I had seen that hawk; it was actually a large vulture/buzzard that had been feasting on a opossum for the last two days.)<i> My brother told me that hawks can come pick you up and carry you away, so we're protecting ourselves with these. </i>(My nieces were actually terrified to step outside our house because of a similar converstation they had with my dad.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Me: That's smart. I've got my dog to protect us. </i>(We all look at Lola, who wags her tail and licks her lips as if to say, "I've got this human to protect...can I kick you?")</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Boy #1: Yeah, and we've got to protect our pond too...from the geese. </i></span>(All three brandish their weapons.)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Me:</i> (Having graduated from SIUE and having extensive knowledge of this)<i> Yeah, geese are mean.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Boy #2: </i>(brandishing)<i> Yeah!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Boy #1: That hawk over there has been eating a opossum!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Girl: </i>(simultaneously)<i> One time, a goose stole my binky.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Boy #1: No, that was a swan. </i>(Looking right at me.) <i>When our cat died, a swan danced in the ashes.</i></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-78679615942668432432014-05-13T10:44:00.001-05:002014-05-13T10:44:15.941-05:00The Wonderful Thing About Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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...is that William's a wonderful thing.<br />
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He's a wonderful thing who declares he is done with a meal, refuses to eat another bite--will even try to toss his food to Lola if you are not watching--only to desperately grab at any morsel close enough and shove them in his mouth like a starved prisoner as soon as you try to wipe his hands and mouth and remove the tray.<br />
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He's a wonderful thing who giggles every time he sees Lola underneath the tablecloth or walking through the door to greet him after a nap and has started using her as a chair, carefully positioning himself between her front paws or by her belly and then leaning back his full weight into her.<br />
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He's a wonderful thing who sets goals and works hard to achieve them, lately seeking out any "short" steps so that he can try to step up and step down while standing up like a big boy... much to my terror.<br />
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He's a wonderful thing who eats a popscicle faster than anybody I know and loves to carry around and chew on ice but will not let ice cream anywhere near his mouth.<br />
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He's a wonderful thing who now not only <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/04/in-flash.html" target="_blank">kicks and dribbles any balls</a> he sees but has also just recently started saying ball too.<br />
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And that's the thing. Each day reveals so many more and so many of the same wonderful things about William that I feel silly and sinful for worrying about the things that he is not doing or saying. Last week, I got an email with the subject line, "Warning Signs of Language Delay," that I let cause me much more stress than I should have. Although Will is a happy, physically precocious boy, who follows directions well, he wasn't really saying "mama" or "dada" regularly or pointing at things in the sky or shaking his head, all things the email listed as "warning signs" for a twelve-month-old. And even though in the week since that email, he's started saying "dada" more and can point out different animals in his books, he'd still be wonderful if he didn't do those things and if he did have a language delay or some other issue. He'd still be my wonderful thing, my pride and joy, the little boy that God entrusted to me to love and raise to serve Him and others. So the lesson for me here is the lesson I need to be reminded of over and over again: less time email/internet reading, no time worrying, and more Bible/prayer time. Less of the world and more of God and family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqspO6aXogZNxNpLcsk1ppGzMjM0wFaoQNBWNz9Ra0zduiVYwkFTfvZTYcHEO1BaAIYj3sCcX2gdLuzjp34nJ01nge_aPGOHYFP4zFbDZ4HgT5NgwttydRHHyi118AmywCwJzmWk4u/s640/blogger-image--1161139139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqspO6aXogZNxNpLcsk1ppGzMjM0wFaoQNBWNz9Ra0zduiVYwkFTfvZTYcHEO1BaAIYj3sCcX2gdLuzjp34nJ01nge_aPGOHYFP4zFbDZ4HgT5NgwttydRHHyi118AmywCwJzmWk4u/s640/blogger-image--1161139139.jpg" /></a>Also, would you like this rock?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-6482006796137717222014-05-12T11:18:00.004-05:002014-05-12T11:18:54.419-05:00Walking in a Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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You know how when you or someone you're close to buys a new car, and then suddenly, you see that car everywhere? It's like every tenth person went out that same day and bought a shiny new Buick Enclave and decided to drive it around at the same time as you are driving around your trusty (and a bit rusty) Jeep Liberty. And how you start to wonder if maybe you're in some psychological experiment or that maybe you're living your own version of <i>The Truman Show</i>, but then, in order to get through the day without being completely solipsistic, you tell yourself no, it's just an adjustment in your perception and awareness? That your brain is an amazing thing that blocks certain stimuli and emphasizes others throughout your day and just the very fact that you've taken an extra moment to look at something and talk about it and compliment your friend on their choice of SUV means you notice it more. And isn't that an even more amazing experience than being part of some secret experimental reality television show because what if it means you could control what you notice and don't notice to some greater extent? </div>
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You know that experience? </div>
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I keep having it with flowers. A few weeks ago with <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/04/lilacs.html" target="_blank">lilacs</a>, and just in the last few days, with honeysuckle. They aren't just growing and blooming in my yard or along my morning walk route. They're growing and blooming everywhere I go right now, and I not only see them but really notice them and pay attention to them and remember the week during the summers that I used to spend at my grandparents in Southern Illinois, when my grandpa taught me how to harvest the sweet nectar from the honeysuckle and how I would then wander around their neighborhood looking for new bushes. And then I start wondering when I can teach William to do the same and <i>IF</i> I should teach William to do the same and make a mental note to Google honeysuckle and poison when I get home before scratching that mental note because, "I survived," a phrase I tell myself and Jason quite often. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZwInuiJyRpkLQVhf9fJdffIqIG9rlfqYUBGmJhFZT4mEhHITf-GC2mOtGcQiM13K4ptyAVA9WzJdZVmHQgWex1AM5OyHnuntE0aUdHXLKIScyQhHkvrVavZBpcAuwwe2r4M3gVVH/s640/blogger-image--2092622881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZwInuiJyRpkLQVhf9fJdffIqIG9rlfqYUBGmJhFZT4mEhHITf-GC2mOtGcQiM13K4ptyAVA9WzJdZVmHQgWex1AM5OyHnuntE0aUdHXLKIScyQhHkvrVavZBpcAuwwe2r4M3gVVH/s640/blogger-image--2092622881.jpg" /></a>And then I look up and see what I suspect to be Columbine and remember my Grandma De and trips to Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsNLdZW85nIFQ7akI_8OQ7RMx3KF-gQOF7AuFxHDElTCJPaTU9cFRQkW4W74I0DOtDrScd5-Db4-3cQfba_L8A9IjxdPS2_cODwUGT9Ug06AXLqvK0NLvL-CK9ioDrMj18CEKqtk5/s640/blogger-image-2105808822.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">And then, I round a curve and see lots of other purple flowers and am in awe of God's timing, how when one flower seems to be done blooming, some others are just starting to bloom.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYQBZW4wvBluVZp2kqgiZYomdGA8wkGZXGjNokydpHYFPHRuAgx2Exj_QKm8kyD19Gdrld1-sdmPDY8Ta7kxNZ3If-cb-e0YsWY3o3_nZXpNz9hl2PV3kIPdUyIDM2EWB-aewficL/s640/blogger-image--1170153526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYQBZW4wvBluVZp2kqgiZYomdGA8wkGZXGjNokydpHYFPHRuAgx2Exj_QKm8kyD19Gdrld1-sdmPDY8Ta7kxNZ3If-cb-e0YsWY3o3_nZXpNz9hl2PV3kIPdUyIDM2EWB-aewficL/s640/blogger-image--1170153526.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWKOVxKUxOnvjNRwxKWO1cPxkkOBDLKzzDyDC0Cp3dkyBK0EdFl1qaojmopQcI_N3O5VROSkl1159g2l79MGTj8MG7DH3Yse_-z-mWrQRN4Up-UPFL0b98IuoO73r1HCT_9j7a8tH/s1600/blogger-image-672911046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWKOVxKUxOnvjNRwxKWO1cPxkkOBDLKzzDyDC0Cp3dkyBK0EdFl1qaojmopQcI_N3O5VROSkl1159g2l79MGTj8MG7DH3Yse_-z-mWrQRN4Up-UPFL0b98IuoO73r1HCT_9j7a8tH/s640/blogger-image-672911046.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks8MqlAfS7GwDqb2jKPw5HP4qRftsek2alAnJrLnKErVJ7exzQjrJFVvBKsQ1Ymq0Wzv6Uy-s54yeHqtp1RDxU8nre2synaHwDWQFgbiBsyAbOtWGTa5PHdxaA-BXpBVYznQ8twWQ/s1600/blogger-image--746559603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiks8MqlAfS7GwDqb2jKPw5HP4qRftsek2alAnJrLnKErVJ7exzQjrJFVvBKsQ1Ymq0Wzv6Uy-s54yeHqtp1RDxU8nre2synaHwDWQFgbiBsyAbOtWGTa5PHdxaA-BXpBVYznQ8twWQ/s640/blogger-image--746559603.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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Every once in a while, I start to yearn for those paved concrete roads or dream of sidewalks to smooth our daily walks, but then I look up and a fox darts out of the woods or a red-headed woodpecker starts in on a nearby tree, and I have no problem with the gravel in my shoes or the mosquito bites on my ankles. I choose to focus on the peace and beauty, not because the pain and inconveniences don't exist, but because my mind is an amazing thing that is capable of making that choice and following through with it.</div>
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Also, for some reason this made me happy this morning.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-1400543585514738342014-05-08T22:45:00.000-05:002014-05-08T22:45:17.565-05:00Splish Splash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLPeTtasGgrF0KTUn3gLi0tzJps9ni9vh1YtbnIeInhsTasIO_k-tKMdx0RqiYJ119UCFlc345zOQi8yvYL-Y3RL9Ygk7Abp5Yj4mFOGgBaAaKlyUIN1wyUA6g7l_X8vchC049UNC/s640/blogger-image--850174478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLPeTtasGgrF0KTUn3gLi0tzJps9ni9vh1YtbnIeInhsTasIO_k-tKMdx0RqiYJ119UCFlc345zOQi8yvYL-Y3RL9Ygk7Abp5Yj4mFOGgBaAaKlyUIN1wyUA6g7l_X8vchC049UNC/s640/blogger-image--850174478.jpg" /></a><br />
I think Will might have the best abs out of anyone in our family. And his passion for splashin'? Well, you can see for yourself. Next time, we'll approach the water table sans clothing. Diapers, hats, and sunscreen, that's it. Heck, maybe just hats and sunscreen are all that's needed because even though Piper and I approached the table with caution, Will was determined to get every last drop of water out whether it be on the ground, on himself, or on his cousin.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5cZrUENwJDwuvzBM-pnOXsom1_on5ZJ95rDiOPt_9fSlErAws6Khr4kqLJeDC6tuLIb9tS9ge2nuv1rqTERn1j3e6VSzgldmGAZU5LtHe4pQmob0FV5XmbTciy5p1ATXPykHsAQP/s640/blogger-image-1934869902.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1EuAHtAFuHxnA-mKUxyRbTJdKR5PbUlcHPn1hXeDRYteQZ7P-eIH5Y6OJjzPdLtnGYbWy1U-h2bC93CYJy3fw5jnyWalm3sjjjpSm_T1M7SGiAXFX4kvSNs9trC07IsQVyzimSCB/s640/blogger-image--1103458318.jpg" />Piper was determined to save herself, but when that didn't work out, she settled for saving the water tower. Every other day or so, I catch part of the trailer for the new <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIu85WQTPRc" target="_blank">Godzilla</a> movie and am not surprised by how closely it resembles my day to day life. Any other mamas out there feel me?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5p1GBibmp4-MywN5yS93DECuwwhZFniz3kdHnvx-67hJRejVFWUMiCtVPib5NkDIRZ3C_R-JIxn_YXSlgTh61vCgyqG7IRjtvw5X3O1xVyBco61u4YQD6j_IVZFuLP8v9GVH6HIe/s640/blogger-image-164320988.jpg" /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_gPcmDM4EfK_hUYMYSU0X6V5gonUf-uAIEAITGOIsrbPK3oWzt-TqgvUUGV00GPdA7N4H0ZRzXYr-g4W1VzYR2XbovQhW-ZRgX54Xs6YUNbXhHzxa5UkI8yvN09zRI8s9w1FuMcM/s640/blogger-image--2012115690.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlT6EW3MsZ19uN6DZ5VK_3LftnAfkqXpo3nIgn1EFo-u06n_a-6PdspT2gNVRgo1T8sNqAKU-_Y_K4EV4K4cLMNredcGdRmTbW4Es69bS_gWCsJyXh3KXv3dsnpaeH_jXYt1KNIwj/s640/blogger-image-1457158923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlT6EW3MsZ19uN6DZ5VK_3LftnAfkqXpo3nIgn1EFo-u06n_a-6PdspT2gNVRgo1T8sNqAKU-_Y_K4EV4K4cLMNredcGdRmTbW4Es69bS_gWCsJyXh3KXv3dsnpaeH_jXYt1KNIwj/s640/blogger-image-1457158923.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Also, check out all those teeth we've been working on. I think we're at ten, but in all honesty, he doesn't hold still long enough for me to get a good look, and I've given up trying to count by sticking my finger in his mouth.</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-13235907050469337852014-05-06T10:46:00.001-05:002014-05-06T10:46:09.179-05:00Chalk it Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVpBLKlTeZueGU-Ay9z_EWub873a8bTP4srQJs5VFp0KCrJQ2mYmm5uGJj6TPX8SsSWeKJ1enkEZSqoAbuMjB5hiUHKjs9-uBsJRMPl2Hq-7UL5EHGpdkVHlO7ydMp10AnWEdPkOz/s640/blogger-image--1805764335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5PHsXbFiWoRlvCH43sipYm5FE27HZH5h8KHvB702929SHsOUyGyj2G8WcTYbnRRdBfv-05XhI01T3VOzsuXTKSfPIaFwMmkihha8_Qwts38KBs_EDPYpRXTaf2PhmzLeRROy3uEi/s640/blogger-image--181400758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5PHsXbFiWoRlvCH43sipYm5FE27HZH5h8KHvB702929SHsOUyGyj2G8WcTYbnRRdBfv-05XhI01T3VOzsuXTKSfPIaFwMmkihha8_Qwts38KBs_EDPYpRXTaf2PhmzLeRROy3uEi/s640/blogger-image--181400758.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVpBLKlTeZueGU-Ay9z_EWub873a8bTP4srQJs5VFp0KCrJQ2mYmm5uGJj6TPX8SsSWeKJ1enkEZSqoAbuMjB5hiUHKjs9-uBsJRMPl2Hq-7UL5EHGpdkVHlO7ydMp10AnWEdPkOz/s640/blogger-image--1805764335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuV2yioghYlqBnHQ6TM39FVULxdQtiMqrcwSCAuFdYhuIbX4m4Lqd7PFT9jE2K2WRVsGSC3CFpdccZuZF7fvLfLUyfLpXWHa2cDLMZ-vwcBb384hjuUgZRlYGiFmRd-gsnJyNICGfq/s640/blogger-image-1238631727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuV2yioghYlqBnHQ6TM39FVULxdQtiMqrcwSCAuFdYhuIbX4m4Lqd7PFT9jE2K2WRVsGSC3CFpdccZuZF7fvLfLUyfLpXWHa2cDLMZ-vwcBb384hjuUgZRlYGiFmRd-gsnJyNICGfq/s640/blogger-image-1238631727.jpg" /></a>Oh, outside. We have big plans for you. Chalk was just the beginning. I just ordered this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Plastic-Toy-Water-Wheel/dp/B003GD0IAK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399390239&sr=8-2&keywords=water+table" target="_blank">water table</a> and these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Norpro-431-4-Piece-Silicone-Maker/dp/B0036B9KHO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399390331&sr=8-2&keywords=push+up+popsicle+molds" target="_blank">push-up ice pop molds</a>. We're planning on heading to the <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/" target="_blank">Botanical Gardens</a> and the <a href="http://www.goshenmarket.org/" target="_blank">Goshen Farmer's Market</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StJacobStrawberryFestivalAndBikeRide" target="_blank">Strawberry Festival</a>. And just wait until the pool opens! We've been practicing our splashing all Winter long. We're going to have so much fun, so many memories, and really good naps for the next few months. I can just feel it. I mean, just look at that second picture. Does it not just make you smile from the inside out? (They were chalking very manly things like cars... and flowers.)</div>
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What are your fun plans, activities, or tips for enjoying outside this spring? We'd love to hear them!</div>
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Also, you might think that hopscotch wouldn't go over so well with a one-year-old, but Will loved hopping... while being held in our arms. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWnIIgGy5b1dNfS6uG1esmULDKPiu5IKbxI5_f3TiHHzO7ozbx6FUuA_zgUAPcq1hyphenhyphenCoJQC6YcHiB1yGvApFclqj61yp0CrcVWJb_R4LwTz0vWsqh0XI9LkUgcFh6UGxG9r3Nt1lL/s640/blogger-image--418897877.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvCyhPU3WmtSS-YE9SfYjJ_L5pdsMDKypEw8osPR2QRPmQXtQEGrJX9EEG3iTF7DAbn8-ibE_ylKASZRZPVSxb-9ggE9_bquH_MemksH9xQYtaNDhwgu5L_09UB3McjKYNFYp0-H2/s640/blogger-image-91335961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-41863218652830932042014-05-02T06:46:00.000-05:002014-06-02T15:09:42.844-05:00THE PERFECT NEW Crockpot Meal<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmen6_lzkVOsQXEIPPtg-THx0Sm3RwShLLaR4u-2_SoCPf2cM_jZ2USDqPlMJZBCl5Uop16Zv7Zaqmde1KvyrBXoi4o_3cZkiS_ieGkznUshcHoRqzxDXVh8qFL-AXshFzXzZtpk5m/s640/blogger-image--227768317.jpg" /></div>
I often switch out crockpot meals in favor of the grill as soon as the weather gets a little warmer, but I recently took a chance on the new Sweet Korean BBQ Slow Cooker Sauce from Campbell's, and Jason and I can literally not get enough of this meal. Combine that with the fact that it's a little bit BBQ and a little bit spicy, and I'm pretty sure I will be using the crockpot all summer.<br />
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Like most crockpot meals, it's not rocket science, but the sauce packet makes this one so simple that William might even be able to throw this together for us if I let him have a go at it. As the label says, just throw the chuck roast (Get around a three pound roast. There is plenty of sauce, and you'll want leftovers!) and the sauce in the crockpot and turn on low for eight hours. After about eight hours, shred the beef (and we remove as much of the fat as we can.) Then, you have to make a decision. Tacos or rice bowls? If you bought a big enough roast you can have one the first night and the other the next. BUT for both, the magical ingredient is the ridiculously addicting sauce you are going to make with sour cream and sriracha. This is also pretty easy. Just mix the sour cream and sriracha to taste. We like ours pretty spicy. For RICE BOWLS, throw some rice in the rice cooker right before dinner. Cook up some broccoli or other favorite veggie and layer rice, veggie, bbq beef, and creamy sriracha sauce. For TACOS, layer tortilla, beef, cabbage with a little bit of lime juice squeezed in, and creamy sriracha sauce. Extra points for making homemade tortillas!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULZGGUd4by2bgci8YiHgsd-7OtrrHHtP2USdCpMwCfLC44hBlD3Z8qEthu4P9JO-8ASNQANX3in8dSuyQoeSwzgeEL7rDzr1ggLzCT2LhQHXNdjXzOpDyrXl9WtIcViPEVFgaU0Nr/s1600/blogger-image--1173658289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULZGGUd4by2bgci8YiHgsd-7OtrrHHtP2USdCpMwCfLC44hBlD3Z8qEthu4P9JO-8ASNQANX3in8dSuyQoeSwzgeEL7rDzr1ggLzCT2LhQHXNdjXzOpDyrXl9WtIcViPEVFgaU0Nr/s640/blogger-image--1173658289.jpg" /></a></div>
We love this meal so much (and it is so easy) that I went ahead and bought out our local store of all the sauce packets, just in case, because the last time <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2013/11/lessons-in-meal-planning-part-1.html" target="_blank">we fell in love with a Campbell's product </a>they discontinued it. So if anyone from Campbell's is reading this, please bring back Creamy Chipotle Skillet Sauce... or send me any remaining packets! See, Campbell's is in no way paying me to write this. I just really like this meal, and after serving it to my mom and my sister, they have both jumped on the Korean BBQ bandwagon, so I though you all needed to know about it too.<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiae6i82qN-hmtsBjxdGsNZYyk9aO53SIR0lgZ79vXGtNpoganXHAnwduQT3bpJ4NyJYx8iQ7QVeqDlo5k0KfRgLaf0EPJvh1_65FtnZy7hVD-nsG5PLDkIuJLLxumjYRlpTupF6R-/s640/blogger-image--407753227.jpg" /><br />
Also, that really is how you spell sriracha.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULZGGUd4by2bgci8YiHgsd-7OtrrHHtP2USdCpMwCfLC44hBlD3Z8qEthu4P9JO-8ASNQANX3in8dSuyQoeSwzgeEL7rDzr1ggLzCT2LhQHXNdjXzOpDyrXl9WtIcViPEVFgaU0Nr/s640/blogger-image--1173658289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-32605865572406018342014-04-30T22:16:00.000-05:002014-04-30T22:16:03.833-05:00Lilacs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_xxvqPEQz2a8unmsBzbf7HkyF4UYLQ2iJUXJ0mk8-3EmdoS3C5LMKur0VqaelhhnCuI1HooikO-8Nc25lsDUu6JWIPfA9tkXZJ0h-WlW-NDED7Ze7brPUjnmkhOJ1NL_9-AN_Hnj/s640/blogger-image--229924731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_xxvqPEQz2a8unmsBzbf7HkyF4UYLQ2iJUXJ0mk8-3EmdoS3C5LMKur0VqaelhhnCuI1HooikO-8Nc25lsDUu6JWIPfA9tkXZJ0h-WlW-NDED7Ze7brPUjnmkhOJ1NL_9-AN_Hnj/s640/blogger-image--229924731.jpg" /></a><br />
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One of Will's favorite things to do right now is walk around and touch all the different plants that are growing and blooming and changing every day all around our house. I think his favorite is the Japanese Maple that is right outside our side door with it's soft, almost furry leaves. He giggles every time he swipes his hands through the branches and even leans in so that he can feel the fine filigree with his face. (Just once, he tried to show the neighboring Holly bush the same love but quickly learned his lesson.)</div>
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My favorite right now are the lilac bushes blooming along one of our retaining walls. I can see them from Will's room and from the breakfast nook, two places in which I spend a lot of time each day. I even cut some over the weekend to brighten up the inside of our house. (You might have seen on <a href="http://instagram.com/alsomelissatedesco" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.)</div>
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I don't think I realize it until things aren't going so great, but so much of my mental health is tied up in Will's behavior... and he has been especially volatile lately. But when we're outside, we're both happy, which is why even today, when it didn't get out of the fifties, we spent most of the afternoon and evening out walking through a few different neighborhoods, pushing around the cozy coupe, and feeling up a few trees and bushes. Our cheeks might have been cold when we finally turned in for dinner, but they were also rosy from running and giggling. I'll take that any day over being warm and whiny. </div>
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Also, ever since she escaped into the woods a few weeks ago, I had been making Lola wear a bright blue bandanna, but <i>someone</i> felt that she needed a girlier color, so we picked her up a nice lilac one this morning. I took this picture to send to Jason right after I tied the bandanna around her neck. Will turning on the fireplace blower in the background and Lola's face pretty much sum up our time spent inside the house lately.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjnWZTqhP5hxdC5x10j00Rom6DovGmHKmB5mR_TlfVAR9MWnSg1g9eGbODjEZKg-GfqqsQrcjX9-GmyzfB6AOfXn9cpDFLfnPtFHlloDzWNCCQf2At03ykWNVurfu-NvjShyA-mc6/s640/blogger-image--1510106465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjnWZTqhP5hxdC5x10j00Rom6DovGmHKmB5mR_TlfVAR9MWnSg1g9eGbODjEZKg-GfqqsQrcjX9-GmyzfB6AOfXn9cpDFLfnPtFHlloDzWNCCQf2At03ykWNVurfu-NvjShyA-mc6/s640/blogger-image--1510106465.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-3950696634713674032014-04-30T11:14:00.002-05:002014-04-30T11:14:48.795-05:00New Kicks Mean...<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhcfiFDnhuwVKk12qMiYs3V5TblvGC5lUOyIC_WiilOA8Ap4fj05Wj-oW-KXhmIj1toWoEci3SSirmbQAshC-2u2uAJHuX3REtDSdWnnBCZGnNq30UphFPSljT9HQt-hrhIbuAneH/s640/blogger-image--141909909.jpg" /><br />
...I'm at <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/01/more-than-four.html" target="_blank">158</a>. I've lost ten pounds since <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/01/weighing-in.html" target="_blank">January</a>, not quite as much as I wanted to lose by this point, but like my mom always says, better than a stick in the eye. With birthdays and life and so many other excuses, I slowly started giving up my healthy habits for the last month or so and have been hovering all around 158 the entire time, but with the warmer weather, our pool opening in less than a month, and a beach vacation in less than two months, I have once again found the motivation to say yes to working out every day and eating (and drinking!) healthy.<br />
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Also, Jason and I are doing a plank and push-up challenge every night. I tried to do it on my own, but I am pretty horrible at motivating myself, so I asked Jason if he would do it with me. (Basically, I have made him responsible for making me do it.) So far, we are doing great! We aren't following any fancy challenge chart from Pinterest or anything; instead, every night before we get into bed, we plank for a certain amount of time and do push-ups for a certain amount of time. We started with one minute and add 15 seconds each Saturday. We're on our second week, so we are just at 1:15, and let me tell you, those additional 15 seconds are killer, but I do it! As far as push-ups go, I started out only being able to do four real push-ups (20 total), and have worked up to seven real push-ups (25 total)! My goal is to match Jason first week, 55 real push-ups (in one minute). Any bets on how long that will take me?<br />
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Are you doing anything to get your body pool/beach/warm weather ready? I'd love to hear it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-59898070782910138512014-04-22T14:52:00.000-05:002014-04-22T14:52:13.894-05:00A Belated Birthday Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xPqb0Fj5iwY6m0XMozHp_QIOeAJreh67dlQiFGcbv9eArdvhDWB3JMsh0ZSGAC5DfXC1XlCZXs2Vux_g5XAWavrRIjCIFsaSXb9pq8-LfcPFfKlDtO38_0_wRFY6LcRlsiaB4A9M/s640/blogger-image-1566200975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xPqb0Fj5iwY6m0XMozHp_QIOeAJreh67dlQiFGcbv9eArdvhDWB3JMsh0ZSGAC5DfXC1XlCZXs2Vux_g5XAWavrRIjCIFsaSXb9pq8-LfcPFfKlDtO38_0_wRFY6LcRlsiaB4A9M/s640/blogger-image-1566200975.jpg" /></a></div>
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Almost an entire month ago, we celebrated Will's birthday with family and friends, so this post is just a bit belated, but I was really happy with how all of my <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/03/estimated-date-of-delivery.html" target="_blank">decorations</a> for our "William's Birthday" themed birthday party turned out and wanted to share them with you just in case you also want to go with a "meta" theme for your next shindig. I mean, how awesome would this be for someone who was much older with pictures from throughout their life?</div>
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I'm pretty sure I got this idea after scrolling through "first birthday decoration" ideas on Pinterest, but it could have also come from a blog. Who knows? (Seriously, does anyone know the original source? I'd love to give credit where credit is due.) In order to make the banners and skewers and thank you bags, I basically went through my phone and found as many cute pictures of William's head as I could, changed the filter to black and white, and emailed them to myself from my phone so that I could copy and paste them into Word, crop, and enlarge them. I printed them on white card stock, cut them out, and hot glued the party hats (made out of scrapbooking paper and pom poms) to the card stock and then hot glued the heads to the twine (from the dollar section at Target) for the banners, skewers for the food, and thank you bags to place all around the house. </div>
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For some extra pizazz, I used more banners and party hats (that I also hot glued pom poms onto for some extra flair) in primary colors to finish up the decor. Jason suggested that we save all the decorations and just add some more William heads for next year, so I've packed everything in a diaper box. I might add a number one to the hats on the heads from this past year and a number two to the hats for next year. We'll see if almost two-year-old William demands a specific theme next year.</div>
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Also, shortly after realizing that he didn't really care about his cupcake, William realized that there was a hat on his head and therefore, smelled like icing for the rest of day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg458pJEJSS00Rwnx5lAuZcqGsm8x-HgJfzL6bq1z-HwTUoBS_sLWNzBaVb5Rtw2yOzjM6SVOsdNJQYiDZxRA6Fxy6a6AzjYwclbphGJVOIcxfXUVJmdqORrD9lTQJ9B-Ve4XcEsBOZ/s640/blogger-image--224080806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg458pJEJSS00Rwnx5lAuZcqGsm8x-HgJfzL6bq1z-HwTUoBS_sLWNzBaVb5Rtw2yOzjM6SVOsdNJQYiDZxRA6Fxy6a6AzjYwclbphGJVOIcxfXUVJmdqORrD9lTQJ9B-Ve4XcEsBOZ/s640/blogger-image--224080806.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-28516942487854617462014-04-22T10:59:00.000-05:002014-04-22T11:16:19.062-05:00How Does Your Garden Grow<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldHLhCDMQB8EubC8BHVXG3cFkiI0LlMHAu-lVkTm9rczI5hEN_4I4Q2NfwF7V-Jyp5f1Napuhno3RehHAwyHFjNakyarJMVOc9d_Ks5SRLohXESJfuemgbAQ98PEXt_F2x-DE32S-/s640/blogger-image-1419819993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldHLhCDMQB8EubC8BHVXG3cFkiI0LlMHAu-lVkTm9rczI5hEN_4I4Q2NfwF7V-Jyp5f1Napuhno3RehHAwyHFjNakyarJMVOc9d_Ks5SRLohXESJfuemgbAQ98PEXt_F2x-DE32S-/s640/blogger-image-1419819993.jpg"></a></div>
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Yesterday, taking advantage of the mostly-cloudy, seventy-degree day, I pruned the rose bushes while Will pushed his wagon up and down our back driveway and open and closed the gate about 3,000 times. </div>
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I live in a house with gardens that both my mom and my grandma carefully tended for years. I've inherited lilac bushes, Moonbeam Coreopsis, Russian Sage, hydrangea, a wide variety of rose bushes, and countless other shrubs, trees, and plants. Each spring, I'm surprised when everything starts growing and blooming again despite my negligence, but this year, I have started to make an effort to tend the garden. Feeling the urge to prune and clean out the roses, I went searching in one of our sheds and found shears and thick, stiff leather gloves. Did I move those over from our other house? Were they my mom's? My grandma's? I've decided to believe that all three of our hands have filled the gloves, warming the leather until the stiffness subsides enough to wield the shears, my mom and grandma much more deftly than me. </div>
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I'm uncertain whether my amatuer efforts will yield benefits or cause harm. Either way, I am enjoying the process, learning with each new project, and experiencing just how much work Grandma De put into creating a beautiful space for all of us to come together each summer. Every time I go out to look at the flowers with Will or notice that a different tree is in bloom, I realize just how precious her years of careful planting and tending still are to me and my family, and my heart is filled with so much love and thanks for Grandma and her legacy. A legacy of love, tender care, and pruning back in the hope of growing fuller.</div>
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Also, the other thing I inherited from Grandma is a ridiculous amount of lawn ornaments and birdhouses. I remember, one time, stopping at a gas station on a short road trip back from somewhere; eveyone else went to the bathroom or bought drinks and snacks, but Grandma picked up a new concrete lawn ornament. This is a small representative.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-19142880929313451412014-04-17T21:35:00.000-05:002014-04-17T21:56:33.968-05:00In a Flash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLO8uFJ8Dog1J3TdYk5gbpLsA9yDtfZHC2DI-bDuLVEjpQuxIq5k0tWSK0Ugz3zq05u-MHLl-iDhYEt4oGcI027i4q3OlUcbFcOJrrwKH4vhH4eE0_SE-VewVKfTYBrFgYK943wqk/s640/blogger-image-1893941268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLO8uFJ8Dog1J3TdYk5gbpLsA9yDtfZHC2DI-bDuLVEjpQuxIq5k0tWSK0Ugz3zq05u-MHLl-iDhYEt4oGcI027i4q3OlUcbFcOJrrwKH4vhH4eE0_SE-VewVKfTYBrFgYK943wqk/s640/blogger-image-1893941268.jpg" /></a><br />
I want to remember the way that he runs (full speed) with his arms back and his chest out. The way he always turns the blower on the fire place on whenever we are hanging out down stairs. (I think he thinks it's a white noise machine.) The way he shouts, "Woah," any time he sees something new that he likes. The way his face lights up whenever he sees his Papa or his Jam. The way he touches his nose to anything soft and fluffy, not only puppies, kitties, and stuffed animals but also the Swiffer duster and Lola's bed. The way he walks over clutching <i>Good Night, Moon</i> and hands it up for a read through or two.<br />
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I don't want time to slow. I don't want him to stay the same age. I don't want to keep him just how he is at this very moment because each new moment is distinct and miraculous.<br />
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But I do want to remember.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZOrg6szK3P1GTF-NoVvLupPnRba6LvqDzyWAgDLAq9ZAZsBfjOgRO8b276U-qe7ztdOIs9nU_GjNOjm9-fpLS0eDc90rk9mgoVF-bah9bDbZdqG5r5aCV8j_CrLGLpDakUzlJfcV/s640/blogger-image--2113267065.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl77v2Isa5v1MQSaGvylS6zREfyc_WKP4JcVrK_gde9Bt2yvp0_CDS7sZN7EeodQU5JtFtkqUDfQkcTaFzyw0o9OgZLvtQPyt3hyi5GeG4bhRd3Jj28GRVeMzdt1tR8eUnEfM4lqza/s640/blogger-image--630630486.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRzGa8gYI-CnnU_ZdCeeXU7Pq8NKFzjglBH22dZDFr4YGV4li60buLeQ38rSRE4odN_l2PKBvnDpVwejTSvZ4w9xstoObpab0BvjP15CLkPGjl9arqayN4zhpFudZp9m9CZuVTGyz/s640/blogger-image-1154729655.jpg" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Also, I would like to remember teaching him how to dribble a soccer ball...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xZgfI43L15BNqOUsEPfuRCuTy7z4dgscVDJ7dp7g68RA3iuqic_F9AddGmRKWYJG5dWia-_kpS0aYpNYmEIHkHwXdVtgKGyvRL8_9IEHBKZj1CXVy803AE2wNKoOQOS9VD-w28SZ/s640/blogger-image--486412754.jpg" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">...but for now, I'll just remember how fast he runs by it and how much he giggles when I hold him and run around the yard kicking and chasing the ball.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-19342021140871750702014-04-15T13:52:00.002-05:002014-04-15T13:52:36.853-05:00Ball Pit Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For a few days there, we were getting out every day to run around in the newly green grass, but yesterday was drizzly and cold, and today is sunny and colder. So instead of going to the playground, going for a walk, or kicking a ball in the front yard, we'll be heading back up to our attic playroom to work out all of our afternoon energy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite toys in the playroom is our ball pit. Relatively safe for my physically active and curious boy, colorful, and versatile! What's not to love? Our ball pit is a hodge podge of different items from different places and came together over time. First, I bought some balls second hand (which is how we get most of Will's toys) from someone at work. (The balls came with a purple and pink princessy blow-up contraption that I ended up stabbing with scissors after unsuccessfully trying to inflate multiple times.) Then, my sister gave Will the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kiddie-Pool-Inflatable-Swimming-Children/dp/B000SN61UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397586650&sr=8-1&keywords=blow+up+pool" target="_blank">blue blow-up pool</a> for Christmas after I tried to requisition her baby pool. And just a few weeks ago, I actually invested in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Air-Filled-Playhouses-Exciting-Commercial-Phthalate/dp/B00II7O9YA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1397586692&sr=8-4&keywords=ball+pit+balls" target="_blank">100 more brand-new balls</a> to fill up the "pit" a bit more. Will has loved to climb in and out and move all the balls around ever since he was able to crawl over to the pool, and as he has grown, we have developed some (only slightly) more organized games.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBa1tChwM1u_HGw5PxrJ4mGGPmBcFmelACjp8joxs9m1I8H90iTppDGAq9d7PPkd2D9C70OJfqFVvZo7jErohoXpw0EvXNKizbf_GLu5IIfSLEN4CT1ubsdm8ISZllhyphenhyphenwMsZ_2k7W/s640/blogger-image--1462801559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBa1tChwM1u_HGw5PxrJ4mGGPmBcFmelACjp8joxs9m1I8H90iTppDGAq9d7PPkd2D9C70OJfqFVvZo7jErohoXpw0EvXNKizbf_GLu5IIfSLEN4CT1ubsdm8ISZllhyphenhyphenwMsZ_2k7W/s640/blogger-image--1462801559.jpg" /></a><br />
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IN and OUT<br />
Get yourself in and out, put the balls in and out, take the car/bear/block in and out. This will probably just happen when you set your child anywhere near the ball pit and with a little encouragement can become a fun game and useful in many situations like cleaning up and following directions.<br />
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COLOR GAMES<br />
Matching--Pick up a yellow ball and ask your child to pick up a yellow ball. If they pick up a ball, that's great! If they pick up a yellow ball, that's even more impressive. If it's any other color, choose another yellow ball to match yours or choose the color that they have to match them. Usually, we then hit the balls together and someone usually tries to eat one.<br />
Sorting--Take/throw all of one color ball out of the pool or into a bucket or basket. Try the same with two colors and two buckets/baskets. And so on...<br />
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HIDE and SEEK<br />
Take an object that makes noise, place it in the balls, and turn it on. Encourage your child to find it. Start easy with younger children by leaving part of the object visible and make it harder by submerging the object or hiding objects that don't make noise as your child develops object permanence and gets better and better at seeking. Eventually, you might be able to ask them to hide objects for you or other children to find. (BE CAREFUL: Will loves to throw himself into the pit, so we make sure to remove all hard objects after each play session.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg1ujiGCpyz8v4FsuF60bUniVS2PFSeACjGjtNpadQI5ipsR91vM05tRzKNe0vDOnSWNUzFcwLyhWSqRVWvGQTx7s2N6NBAZtIYkq22WY3-1NoetB5rzeAIu3N_wlSFR_k04RYqL6/s640/blogger-image--264953074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg1ujiGCpyz8v4FsuF60bUniVS2PFSeACjGjtNpadQI5ipsR91vM05tRzKNe0vDOnSWNUzFcwLyhWSqRVWvGQTx7s2N6NBAZtIYkq22WY3-1NoetB5rzeAIu3N_wlSFR_k04RYqL6/s640/blogger-image--264953074.jpg" /></a></div>
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OBSTACLE COURSE</div>
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With some pillows, couch cushions, or fold-up tunnels, make your ball pit part of an obstacle course to chase your child through (which is what Will loves) or have them follow you through.<br />
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SWIM<br />
Encourage your child to push the balls around with his or her arms and kick his or her feet through the balls. Will loves to do this in a sitting position, but you could also try on their bellies or backs. If your child is really advanced, teach them the different strokes! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSnHCnc_7VAWSwyvjRcyW5ZWq6O757ZbvVCGVpBrcrR7pQICiV189Pbo926YKwVJtzVuusmgWxZNW5yohywY1zOBsFJBGt-cvPHSkSEIyHRtgKQ3aYrRN1zXxSb8PP56CpoOnKxUK/s1600/blogger-image--1511555988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSnHCnc_7VAWSwyvjRcyW5ZWq6O757ZbvVCGVpBrcrR7pQICiV189Pbo926YKwVJtzVuusmgWxZNW5yohywY1zOBsFJBGt-cvPHSkSEIyHRtgKQ3aYrRN1zXxSb8PP56CpoOnKxUK/s640/blogger-image--1511555988.jpg" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" /></a>That's it! Do you have any other ideas for ball pit games or activities? I'd love to hear them because I know in a few short months, we'll be escaping from the heat to play in the attic.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-51427110899949071002014-04-10T21:59:00.000-05:002014-04-10T21:59:48.015-05:00 An Afternoon<table>
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<td><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPcDcbaN5rPyN6GhyqRuZOvdk8vAqV7UPCKGs8emUaMX4bOiOKSSgGHQZMdLcCzMFvHNPGk8eGrT3ZH9Cjxcxj400Cq0zqqo-AI_oeVuzdK35sQ5vTPh73M9w-k6lgMBKGFNDfV5J/s640/blogger-image--579131592.jpg" width="317" /></td>
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There was no napping, but one baby was fed, two diapers were changed, and four bodies went for a walk. If kitties or cats were mentioned, Will had us covered with the "mow"s, and if puppies or dogs were mentioned (or Lola was in sight), Piper represented with the "woof woof"s. She also alerted us to any (and every) ball in the area while Will experimented with alternative pacifiers.<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NOyu48b64d-RDMH6czCCh8A_XbPWZmY4goggMJs_UP0zQvIA_e7iUoeqoag7LLYdH3qVXIMxPkRX39lDCYGCQqIp9cu1k-XNrihkkn67Q7SjGGELvJfQJtYpn9w8cceH3OWyOndy/s640/blogger-image-2146570835.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaMVYbG5YLrLFrlm1WUMiMNB-JyOjmiw1eUfPSMfeGYI4p6mPfvzvMiAXoplF29zdDE4WypwqvGjxbbXbDBQ1I9RbD9EhPL-1VUsxsCCUlJ2iBYTQ-D1Bn_MgqCJzqSj-3RCtzA5P/s1600/blogger-image-563418491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaMVYbG5YLrLFrlm1WUMiMNB-JyOjmiw1eUfPSMfeGYI4p6mPfvzvMiAXoplF29zdDE4WypwqvGjxbbXbDBQ1I9RbD9EhPL-1VUsxsCCUlJ2iBYTQ-D1Bn_MgqCJzqSj-3RCtzA5P/s640/blogger-image-563418491.jpg" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5ie0hFEYfNDqyoftFzKqXCKmPEFyb81dvGz1chmt3RI-AWqofCsjTZDwsjYKMCn7JbwPrjXLNad_8A5cvJlMmufHlHm2pfBYeKaIxHJ-nwHqcgz98-fI5LVGBn_lFPaPeQnx9Nh9/s640/blogger-image-1134447585.jpg" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Oh, and coloring. There was lots of coloring... mostly by me. There were also many attempts at sharing. Would you like this pink crayon? Would you like this frog (which can also double as a pacifier)? But no actual sharing. Maybe next time. I kind of can't wait until next time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9-yY9nl6mLsa08WRCUibW3ZvAzJ3uwiRUVr13qux_7Gr05mdsQSX9jw_a1kh7h5Rq1BbCvPve3GMK_6gawiLBRadSPgBdvkkEUTBW61KToAefh2QEQl7xo40Zs-mpj8gSsnL_klA/s640/blogger-image-30849071.jpg" /></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyfweQeuVwjzWsrdI3h7DVtdybpuHY63roYcpaIS0DGLp42YE3b9Jkmz4bSO4CW9chdCmw1bIuBmcawF3k5NZYw0Xm_2NKs8heNe74hUsJqVuiIvhmdk-gEZ2iyFBsD-NPpB9UKje/s640/blogger-image-223772435.jpg" /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0O8368EhMtkjmO67V3O822IvyMa-2LIlSaGrRvPD6ilWNQM5QqWM0Hu2DFVWjZJa6gaVScaOpKVMwtq8laUpmCRhzylsdq_SgFziIYhnq3_2su0pLNFqEYB3f4LY4QEA3exzA2YB8/s640/blogger-image-648957160.jpg" /><br />
Also, there was a little bit of crying. Totally justified crying. Crying to let it be known that putting your finger inside Will's mouth to get out the tip of the blue crayon is not appropriate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVruxCUMeNgX1r6zKEcqEof1Y7liTi8UrFQXEaWx3zur4e45qPvks6wDC-OvVqJEvdO_SIRg9QrBG4PpNLiY8Bk_AH3PrnvgC9YKDu8fdJ4eRVSNaOpR25DduyCr8xHSQ2t5wEwjy/s1600/blogger-image-1457450298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVruxCUMeNgX1r6zKEcqEof1Y7liTi8UrFQXEaWx3zur4e45qPvks6wDC-OvVqJEvdO_SIRg9QrBG4PpNLiY8Bk_AH3PrnvgC9YKDu8fdJ4eRVSNaOpR25DduyCr8xHSQ2t5wEwjy/s640/blogger-image-1457450298.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-12183081956472121852014-04-09T10:14:00.000-05:002014-04-09T10:18:49.041-05:00Not the Original Plan<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlnWwK3S9TpPmN8-7JlPnx1P2LXarei3YYkqkUVlMvjG9FLa5F8BHugiiTRUFVoiYXAwRQ-nwhij6otH5f7W8P7Cq8H6kW3aJzS2MYBCzrZQVEksOPdNa8_7o1o2-3y1jFEvBKe4v/s640/blogger-image--195963419.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld6tVycB7r6UqN36CaK4tncKfaXuLFixgGkG8tCHzOX0_H97hJ5_A6TLJA-nSUK8x45v-mzRDJJJze5kAR-iIAHHDF3OeNQJaReoReRCE_b0HoC-c6e1_Y_lvApirvJ5kD0a6UxQ8/s640/blogger-image-1880143916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgld6tVycB7r6UqN36CaK4tncKfaXuLFixgGkG8tCHzOX0_H97hJ5_A6TLJA-nSUK8x45v-mzRDJJJze5kAR-iIAHHDF3OeNQJaReoReRCE_b0HoC-c6e1_Y_lvApirvJ5kD0a6UxQ8/s640/blogger-image-1880143916.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHkgq4bAsAJwZwYM-LlLmHi8jW5S8qPBmxpks_LDn4WLO30X540k8LGQSg5Qs_Oc2vyGubU15Y3DN7Wwl13CX6SfQ8S98LP0rJzCsJD755k9rcXz_LIuRDJsQpaoC8xyEkON8H7CH/s640/blogger-image--1641334814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHkgq4bAsAJwZwYM-LlLmHi8jW5S8qPBmxpks_LDn4WLO30X540k8LGQSg5Qs_Oc2vyGubU15Y3DN7Wwl13CX6SfQ8S98LP0rJzCsJD755k9rcXz_LIuRDJsQpaoC8xyEkON8H7CH/s640/blogger-image--1641334814.jpg" /></a>Yesterday between naps (and eating and cleaning), we got in a walk around the neighborhood for Lola and a trip to the playground for Will. Our new favorite playground is in the middle of all the soccer fields in our park and has plenty of gumballs (with all the spiky things removed somehow) for Will to collect and carry around as he climbs up slides and through tubes. Over the spring and summer, I can just imagine Will learning to climb the rock wall and go down the slides on his own. Maybe with much prompting, he will eventually sit back in the swing. Who knows? </div>
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In August, as planned, I will be going back to work teaching English to high school freshman, and I am looking forward to being back in the classroom. So starting in August, I probably won't have time to get in both a walk and a trip to the park on every nice day, but I will have time for at least one because I am going to work part-time! Through prayer, Jason and I realized that me working part-time would be best for both our family and my students but didn't know if it was even an option. So months and months ago, I put in a request, and a few weeks ago, I found out that I was approved for teaching two classes (as opposed to five + an advisory) a semester. </div>
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I will still get to spend most of the day with William, and he will get to spend his afternoons with Maggie and Piper, which I think will actually be much better for his development than spending the afternoons with me. I really can't imagine a more perfect situation. We keep putting our faith and trust in God's plan for our lives and tearing ourselves away from our own plans. And every time, His plan is SO much better. I am so thankful to God for his plans for my life and all of the amazing people involved, for my family, for my bosses, for my students, and most of all for William and Jason. <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KBd1yc6Hk4ps0cRwl3eLdpD3bVy8qHQUs5kBsM5PdsCdM-L53aLqFgECvwmKyO69H4mSQsc7WzF55T5vWeKm5D7K80tsAwYWdjP0vwWkXzmj2sPAz3bc27wlkE6G944EJU7kM-56/s640/blogger-image-2055688529.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVNaG9nTmMZcGxTUrrl1QzD4Wv5HBmFuxB90PKmt4VvE612dZ1yYqhT8njW1UbyvlNxSAGZrLzonyOGBW4zMShpxg5AtlpWF-x6z8b3zzwiuhszpjNSe9DqSMo9MDixNya9tEJTzY/s640/blogger-image-642385417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVNaG9nTmMZcGxTUrrl1QzD4Wv5HBmFuxB90PKmt4VvE612dZ1yYqhT8njW1UbyvlNxSAGZrLzonyOGBW4zMShpxg5AtlpWF-x6z8b3zzwiuhszpjNSe9DqSMo9MDixNya9tEJTzY/s640/blogger-image-642385417.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WYekSzPp0GsleccQHGACVjauC8XeOiRDedMHFQxB86ukozdJM1mUWC-ogikmb0Xgbl-s93fH9y0cS0pQqSh1jP70GB48OssDq5m8hZRM85sUjUsQw7Pb7dadEKKdAYFo-0kFUR11/s640/blogger-image-546974304.jpg" /></span>Also, William makes it a point to take a moment to say hi to all walkers and runners who come by on the path... but if they happen to have a puppy dog with them, he will stop whatever he is doing and run full speed, shrieking the entire time. So if you are in the area, please plan your walks accordingly. The shreiks are pretty freakin cute.<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVEcHFELETd51GXVb1R5U0Ue6qI4G-bdsjoDxxZF9VCzc5Ra4ICZRlalz3246Zg-mALpRul9nx08ezpNLBGY6Xxl37bmRxmlZtLKFZPQjAx_SZEODl0hOYu4OiJngh0PdQCz5898P/s640/blogger-image-1154221700.jpg" /></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-51737090391185731532014-04-07T13:35:00.001-05:002014-04-07T13:36:04.644-05:00A Perfect Way to Start the Week // Zuke's Dog Treats Giveaway<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MMDCZttG8aa-QbTOKzPV82qhPGD74uyYdJjGJiLk3wajSQ8KNR0gYEH9QrvdG2uf_0xbH5rjtybUH6hYFR5uRB5WhB7clZAejoqGGLz1__JBdJK10qBRbW3M3g-7NhpOMzwgRPCp/s640/blogger-image-1905812456.jpg" /><br />
We adopted Lola old from our local rescue organization, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/partners4pets" target="_blank">Partners for Pets</a>. She was already three months old, but we were still amazed that it only took a day to crate train her with only one real accident in the house. A few months later, we signed up for obedience classes, and she learned sit, down, off, and heal (kind of), but she has never fully grasped the concept of "come." When it's really cold or hot outside or time for her to eat, she happily comes when I call her, but any other time, she ignores me or takes her time. Shortly after bringing Will home last year, I realized that I <i><b>needed</b></i> Lola not only to "come" but also "leave" much more often, so we slowly started trying to teach her those commands. Now, she knows that when we say "out," she needs to leave the room, and I've learned that all I need to do to get her to come is shout, "Do you want a treat"? <br />
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A few weeks ago, <a href="http://www.zukes.com/" target="_blank">Zuke's</a> sent us their new line of <a href="https://www.zukes.com/store/dogs/hip-action-438.html" target="_blank">Hip Action</a> treats. The great thing about all of Zuke's products is that they are all natural and healthy for your pup (or kitty), so I don't feel bad giving Lola a treat every single time she comes inside the house. Lola loves all three flavors of the Hip Action treats, and I really appreciate that even though they are moist and chewy, they don't have that funky dog treat smell.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MMDCZttG8aa-QbTOKzPV82qhPGD74uyYdJjGJiLk3wajSQ8KNR0gYEH9QrvdG2uf_0xbH5rjtybUH6hYFR5uRB5WhB7clZAejoqGGLz1__JBdJK10qBRbW3M3g-7NhpOMzwgRPCp/s640/blogger-image-1905812456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgEHXeBrOiiCpMNXnNBWKsV8FbBAqDiH6nnBw944-7omVDablZOkWZ4h_NIfyGu73WpsuMem70516AP2_Tpq0R5Tyfu1KNsJWTWdgOg5wlwGn59h4GlIMFlHwuaEPRpWJ0Of96R6z/s640/blogger-image--1973742979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxveDgFQwiE-khfaSHTkTcQdj-AFdU2VmYULTdQMg9sBsIPqKPm0RHdaWbFyGz-3lyWvp6iM9Si4v_wGnV-38B08ZhJUY6EkwnqpV67JVg9_MkckjHem300SzRYnWNqsCu8psd2r_q/s640/blogger-image-1551421424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxveDgFQwiE-khfaSHTkTcQdj-AFdU2VmYULTdQMg9sBsIPqKPm0RHdaWbFyGz-3lyWvp6iM9Si4v_wGnV-38B08ZhJUY6EkwnqpV67JVg9_MkckjHem300SzRYnWNqsCu8psd2r_q/s640/blogger-image-1551421424.jpg" /></a></div>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgEHXeBrOiiCpMNXnNBWKsV8FbBAqDiH6nnBw944-7omVDablZOkWZ4h_NIfyGu73WpsuMem70516AP2_Tpq0R5Tyfu1KNsJWTWdgOg5wlwGn59h4GlIMFlHwuaEPRpWJ0Of96R6z/s640/blogger-image--1973742979.jpg" /><br />
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If you want to try out <a href="http://www.zukes.com/google-ad-words/hip-action?utm_source=AdWords&utm_medium=Search&utm_campaign=HipAction&gclid=CP_j7cSAz70CFUtk7AodAmYAZQ" target="_blank">Zuke's</a>, you can order them online or find them in this area at Petsmart and local pet boutiques, <b><i>OR</i></b> you can enter to win some treats! Just visit <a href="http://www.zukes.com/" target="_blank">Zuke's</a> and choose a line of treats that you'd like to try out with your pup or kitty and enter below.</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/103fb60/" id="rc-103fb60" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Also, don't you think Lola looks like the pup on the packaging?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1B5FJfWDQlUzC9vm_ciZncsTtEdXbcJsIIMIaaTkg0466iulcK37zBxhSc4qyT98EbFVnzoweMUJkvrXhGHMxOMsOPMJM1YvdJIt3j13bRnjiQMngs6OnLAttjnHakhGGUgMtQei/s640/blogger-image-1601904676.jpg" /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-69273629882513070632014-04-04T10:18:00.000-05:002014-04-04T10:18:54.513-05:00April Showers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8lKLI3QXUPgdRQpMXLnZDLYu_45fEapPuR7eqCDBdsOvOOUm2ICpx0W9VIUEG7MYdc6WZhp3MVWQtjarV1fv0ym4eBt5zimEpR9mQC1Ubri4yeMfLy8sq7M_q8MxJzMI0PEB7Ea2/s640/blogger-image--1536915259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8lKLI3QXUPgdRQpMXLnZDLYu_45fEapPuR7eqCDBdsOvOOUm2ICpx0W9VIUEG7MYdc6WZhp3MVWQtjarV1fv0ym4eBt5zimEpR9mQC1Ubri4yeMfLy8sq7M_q8MxJzMI0PEB7Ea2/s640/blogger-image--1536915259.jpg" /></a><br />
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Yesterday, like almost everyone in the St. Louis area, we were woken up by tornado sirens. For the rest of the day and late into the night one front after another rolled through with thunder and lightning and hail. But late in the afternoon, on our way home from Will's 12 month check-up, the rain stopped for about an hour and the earth started steaming. A sight to behold... and just a prelude to what is about to spring forth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejsTqYTULT22BRuFYGcTxySuCrHAaXOKR4BJrsB16b5vXamNR7oa51cZhBsN3dsO57mrCER5hchwj_HL9pC2AnhQiDcwtGXp99d2XcTaPZLdMDE0MMXqBaS-LziNcsXnapni1yVbC/s640/blogger-image-645361770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejsTqYTULT22BRuFYGcTxySuCrHAaXOKR4BJrsB16b5vXamNR7oa51cZhBsN3dsO57mrCER5hchwj_HL9pC2AnhQiDcwtGXp99d2XcTaPZLdMDE0MMXqBaS-LziNcsXnapni1yVbC/s640/blogger-image-645361770.jpg" /></a></div>
Also, can you spy the geese?
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-75372821291518053762014-04-01T10:26:00.001-05:002014-04-01T10:26:54.673-05:00Becoming an Expat... Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVzmE4zoBVXRKnpTQt2lTXg4YPIj_KoIljxtb3worDXEbGkpbZ2JVBZQo8v4RYYzLIzi9fIUYpCy9-odlScgTMUCH1akKpKd9uluWYbTGOLUKfeCHlI8B2xAu9Jyl6paCdIR5g4Yx/s1600/Ghent_2350067b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVzmE4zoBVXRKnpTQt2lTXg4YPIj_KoIljxtb3worDXEbGkpbZ2JVBZQo8v4RYYzLIzi9fIUYpCy9-odlScgTMUCH1akKpKd9uluWYbTGOLUKfeCHlI8B2xAu9Jyl6paCdIR5g4Yx/s1600/Ghent_2350067b.jpg" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-size: x-small;"></span></a><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/belgium/9564949/Ghent-Belgium-a-cultural-city-guide.html" target="_blank">via</a></div>
One of the great things about Jason's job is that his company is based here in St. Louis, which means we can live within just a few miles of both of our families while maintaining a short commute to work. Some of you might remember, though, that Jason's company was bought out by an international company a few years ago. At the time, we talked about what we would do if we got relocated even though it seemed really far-fetched with the type of work Jason does. With it being more of a dream than a possible reality, I told Jason that he should seriously consider any good opportunities for career growth that might include a relo. Both of us grew up in military families and have great memories of growing up all over the world (Jason in Guam and me in Germany), and I told him I knew it would be hard but thought it would be a worthwhile experience for our family.<br />
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And earlier this month, Jason was offered an amazing position at his company's global headquarters... in Belgium! We have been prayerfully considering the offer for weeks and finally decided to accept this amazing opportunity. We'll be packing and saying goodbye for the next two weeks, and then, we're off! I'll keep everyone updated on here, and of course, we would love to have everyone come visit and enjoy the waffles!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw4SmptDe_TZaSrHQuf-hTzNiPItSTHbT6yZgYii1I0NnMgKXKuobX-5Do1mMG8B8UxzA7EIoTeXZT7IzxetSKKKzDIyyHNwB3jYYrTnJHJhsKj2XY1WV4FsWNl6_zKNu5CZGjbUj/s1600/education_in_belgium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw4SmptDe_TZaSrHQuf-hTzNiPItSTHbT6yZgYii1I0NnMgKXKuobX-5Do1mMG8B8UxzA7EIoTeXZT7IzxetSKKKzDIyyHNwB3jYYrTnJHJhsKj2XY1WV4FsWNl6_zKNu5CZGjbUj/s1600/education_in_belgium.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.internations.org/belgium-expats/guide/living-in-belgium-15354/education-in-belgium-2" target="_blank">via</a></span><br />
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Also, April Fools!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01100187783112766571noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7572244374977802443.post-88211090742732870002014-03-31T13:58:00.000-05:002014-03-31T13:58:18.272-05:00A Perfect Way to Open the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_haGpxmsf6BkyqhtwxUSKNS7X7PGONDyQFNeWxtX-4lpS1B3c_Oo2dTyL8a2-bA8QUKk_CB5WroiWxaUR5d6bh32aPvJbfaNRMz0xSmYB53HwFDzJDnAdk9HmDgNsOfvjBml0CSl/s1600/blogger-image--1835338413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_haGpxmsf6BkyqhtwxUSKNS7X7PGONDyQFNeWxtX-4lpS1B3c_Oo2dTyL8a2-bA8QUKk_CB5WroiWxaUR5d6bh32aPvJbfaNRMz0xSmYB53HwFDzJDnAdk9HmDgNsOfvjBml0CSl/s640/blogger-image--1835338413.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHEtH5LbkBM" target="_blank">Go Crazy, Folks! Go Crazy!</a> Happy Opening Day! Will you be watching some baseball today?</div>
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I think I might have watched about 1000 hours of my brother's baseball games as a child, which kind of burnt me out on baseball game watching (except during the playoffs, of course), but Jason and I are hoping to get to at least one game at the stadium this season. (My favorite place to sit is the bleachers.) But other than that, I will support the Cardinals through my fashion choices and keep updated through family, Facebook, and SportsCenter. </div>
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Instead of watching baseball, I am going to use today as my own personal restart switch. What better day than today, not only opening day of America's favorite past time but also the first Monday of my 29th year and the (almost) beginning of a new month? I didn't make much progress in March with <a href="http://alsothatsit.blogspot.com/2014/01/weighing-in.html" target="_blank">my health and fitness goals</a>, but I am ready to recommit today and already have. No more party planning or cupcakes to use as excuses! Do you have anything you want to restart? Thirty teams are getting to start a new season today. You can too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1GSrZjP4abc15EbdBlOzE3yfV2ybAOdtPBynLHCifAIIR2JMeB3V_lz_H66LUA8UycPPMpg0Szt-coF4EuHSKlq3BzPNO9728UC_E8xjRqVNWNYQk1WVtGN8ZA04JgM2VIvqae-m/s1600/blogger-image-576045745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1GSrZjP4abc15EbdBlOzE3yfV2ybAOdtPBynLHCifAIIR2JMeB3V_lz_H66LUA8UycPPMpg0Szt-coF4EuHSKlq3BzPNO9728UC_E8xjRqVNWNYQk1WVtGN8ZA04JgM2VIvqae-m/s640/blogger-image-576045745.jpg" /></a>Also, while trying to take a picture of William and me together in our Cardinals shirts, I captured this gem that shows where William gets his ears.</div>
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Happy Monday! I hope your week is filled with many good reasons to Go Crazy!</div>
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